Prevalence Of Emotional Distress Research Articles

Psychosocial health of migrant careworkers from Southeast Asian countries in Israel: A mixed methods study

BackgroundIn 2018, 66,859 migrant careworkers were in Israel, most of whom originated from Southeast Asian countries and 81% of whom are women. Stringent regulations combined with social invisibility creates vulnerabilities that may contribute to emotional distress. This study aimed to assess psychosocial status and determine mechanisms of emotional distress and resilience in this population. MethodsMixed methods were used in this cross-section study. An online survey measured demographic variables, psychosocial wellbeing using the HSCL-25 questionnaire, general health, perceived social support, cultural identity, and perceived othering. Based on the survey's results, interviews were conducted with a subpopulation of respondents (n=15) to further understand the mechanisms of emotional distress and resilience, and were analyzed using a postcolonial feminist framework and grounded theory. Data collection took place during 2018-2019. ResultsIn total, 263 careworkers completed the survey and 15 careworkers were interviewed. The overall prevalence of emotional distress according to the HSCL-25 was 36.8%, 22.6% on the anxiety subscale, and 41.8% on the depression subscale. Emotional distress was associated with female sex, not being parents, poorer general health, high perceived othering, and low perceived social support. Interviews revealed that Israeli policy, and relationships with family in their country of origin and with Israeli employers and their families can either contribute to or mitigate emotional stressors. ConclusionsSymptoms of emotional distress among Southeast Asian migrant careworkers in Israel are frequently reported, and may indicate rates of anxiety and depression higher than in careworkers’ countries of origin and host country. Increased monitoring to protect careworkers’ rights and including mental health services as part of their health insurance plan are warranted.

Cognition and emotional distress in middle-aged and older adults with spina bifida myelomeningocele.

To investigate cognitive functioning and emotional distress in adults aged 55 to 68 years old with spina bifida myelomeningocele (SBM), both with and without hydrocephalus. A secondary aim was to explore the associations between psychosocial factors in relation to emotional distress. Cross-sectional study of eleven females and eight males with SBM, five with and twelve without hydrocephalus. Cognitive functioning was investigated with neuropsychological tests and self-report measures. Furthermore, participants completed questionnaires regarding resilience, access to social support, coping, and emotional distress. Descriptive statistics were applied, and Spearman Rho correlation coefficients were used to explore the relationships between psychosocial factors and emotional distress. Eleven exhibited normal cognitive functioning. An observed difference was seen between participants with and without hydrocephalus, where six and five persons reported clinical levels of depression and anxiety, respectively. Positive perceptions of self and future were associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety. This study adds important information about cognitive functioning and emotional distress in an understudied population. The results indicated normal cognitive functioning in adults aged 55 to 68 years with SBM without hydrocephalus. Prevalence of emotional distress was comparable with previous studies of younger adults with SBM. There is a need for longitudinal studies investigating cognition and psychological health to fully capture important aspects of the life course of SBM with and without hydrocephalus.

Orthodontic Patients with Poor Oral Health-Related Quality of Life are More Likely to Have Emotional Distress: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study aims to investigate the relationship between oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and emotional distress (ED), including anxiety and depression, in orthodontic patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 603 orthodontic patients, consisting of 401 females (66.5%) with a mean age of 24.15 ± 7.72 and 202 males (33.5%) with a mean age of 24.16 ± 7.72. A questionnaire containing questions of demographic information, the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) and the Huaxi emotional-distress index (HEI) was employed to assess OHRQoL and ED. According to the HEI score, the respondents were divided into ED group (HEI > 8) and non-ED group (HEI ≤ 8). Data were analyzed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Mann-Whitney test and logistic regression analysis with the significance level set at p < 0.05. The prevalence of poor OHRQoL and ED of the study sample was 28.4% and 19.57%, respectively. There was a significantly higher prevalence of ED among poor OHRQoL patients (35.67%) compared to those with good OHRQoL (13.19%) (p < 0.001). Poor OHRQoL and risky drinking behavior addressed higher significant correlation with ED patients than non-ED patients (p < 0.05). There were no statistical differences in other factors such as gender, age, and appliance type (p > 0.05). Poor OHRQoL orthodontic patients were at a higher risk of suffering from anxiety and depression compared to those with good OHRQoL (age-risky drinking behavior-sex-adjusted: OR = 4.00; all p < 0.001). Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) is related to emotional stress. Namely, patients with poor OHRQoL are more likely to experience anxiety and depression. As a result, orthodontists should consistently assess the emotional well-being and OHROoL of patients over the treatment course for better treatment outcomes.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Emotional Distress in Patients With Prostate Cancer Assigned to External-beam Radiotherapy With or Without High-dose Rate Brachytherapy.

Upcoming radiotherapy for prostate cancer may lead to emotional distress. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and risk factors in a retrospective cohort of 102 patients. Thirteen characteristics were evaluated for six emotional problems. To account for multiple comparisons, Bonferroni correction was used; p-values <0.0038 were significant (alpha level <0.05). Prevalence of worry, fears, sadness, depression, nervousness, and loss of interest in usual activities was 25%, 27%, 11%, 11%, 18%, and 5%, respectively. A greater number of physical problems was significantly associated with worry (p=0.0037) and fears (p<0.0001) and showed trends regarding sadness (p=0.011) and depression (p=0.011). Trends were also found for associations between younger age and worry (p=0.021), advanced primary tumor stage and fears (p=0.025), patient's history of another malignancy and nervousness (p=0.035), and between external-beam radiotherapy alone and fears (p=0.042) or nervousness (p=0.037). Although the prevalence of emotional distress was comparably low, patients with risk factors may benefit from early psychological support.

Changes in anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic in the European population: A meta-analysis of changes and associations with restriction policies.

Early studies of common mental disorders (CMDs) during the COVID-19 pandemic mainly report increases; however, more recent findings have been mixed. Also, studies assessing the effects of restriction measures on CMDs show varied results. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess changes in levels of CMDs from pre-/early to during the pandemic and the effects of restriction policies in the European population. We searched for studies assessing both pre-pandemic and peri-pandemic self-reported emotional distress and symptoms of depression or anxiety among nationally/regionally representative samples in Europe and collected microdata from those studies. Estimates of corona containment index were related to changes in CMDs using random-effects meta-regression. Our search strategy resulted in findings from 15 datasets drawn from 8 European countries being included in the meta-analysis. There was no evidence of change in the prevalence of emotional distress, anxiety, or depression from before to during the pandemic; but from early pandemic periods to later periods, there were significant decreases in emotional distress and anxiety. Increased school restrictions and social distancing were associated with small increases in self-reported emotional distress. Despite initial concerns of increased emotional distress and mental illness due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the results from this meta-analysis indicate that there was a decrease in emotional distress and no change in anxiety or depression in the general population in Europe. Overall, our findings support the importance of strong governance when implementing periodic and robust restriction measures to combat the spread of COVID-19.

The Prevalence of Emotional Distress among Athletes during COVID-19 Movement Control Order Period in Malaysia

The Prevalence of Emotional Distress among Athletes during COVID-19 Movement Control Order Period in Malaysia

Emotional distress in COVID-19 patients in Maldives

Background and objectivesResearchers are exploring the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, treatment, vaccination and the challenges faced by healthcare authorities. However less focus is being paid towards the impact of COVID-19 on mental health of the patients. This study is a cross-sectional study, measuring the prevalence of emotional distress among patients with COVID-19 in the Maldivian population.MethodsThis study was conducted in Maldivian nations above 18 of age with COVID-19 who were admitted in isolation facilities. Patients who were on treatment for any other chronic medical conditions, severe and critical COVID-19 disease were excluded. This study was conducted over a period of 2 months by administering a local translated version of DASS21 questionnaire.ResultsThe total of 195 patients were included in this study. The mean age of the patients was 40 (CI at 95% 38–42) years. The respondents were 48.7% men and 51.3% women. Overall, 9% of patients with COVID-19 had depression while 23% of patients had anxiety and 12% of the patients had stress. There was a statistically significant relationship between gender and depression, anxiety and stress (p < 0.01). Symptomatic cases had a significantly higher level of stress than asymptomatic patients (p < 0.05), but no significant association was observed with symptomatic status and anxiety or depression.ConclusionThe management of patients with COVID-19 should be multi-disciplinary with special focus on the mental wellbeing of our patients. We should aim to establish proper communication with the patients in order to identify emotional distress and provide appropriate mental health care.

Preschool Teachers' Psychological Distress and Work Engagement during COVID-19 Outbreak: The Protective Role of Mindfulness and Emotion Regulation.

COVID-19 has dramatically affected the mental health and work environment of the educational sector. Our primary aim was to investigate preschool teachers’ psychological distress and work engagement during the COVID-19 outbreak, while examining the possible protective role of participating in a mindfulness-based intervention geared to foster compassion (Call2Care-Israel for Teachers; C2C-IT) and emotion regulation. The prevalence of emotional distress, work engagement, and COVID-19 concerns were evaluated in 165 preschool teachers in the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak in Israel through questionnaires. The findings showed that preschool teachers experienced increased emotional distress. Teachers who had participated in the C2C-IT intervention six months before the pandemic outbreak (N = 41) reported lower emotional distress, higher use of adaptive emotion regulation strategies, and higher work engagement, compared to their counterparts that had not participated in the intervention (N = 124). Emotion regulation strategies mediated the link between participating in CTC-IT intervention and emotional distress and work engagement. Teaching is a highly demanding occupation, especially during a pandemic, thus making it important to invest resources in empowering this population. The findings here suggest that the implementation of a mindfulness-based intervention during the school year can enhance teachers’ well-being, even during stressful events such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on Arthroplasty Surgeons.

BackgroundAfter the COVID-19 pandemic declaration in March 2020, all the elective total joint replacement surgeries in Canada were abruptly canceled for an indefinite period of time. The principal objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of psychological morbidity experienced by arthroplasty surgeons during the peak of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Secondary objectives included characterizing influential variables affecting the surgeon’s well-being and suggesting directives for improvement.MethodsThis study surveyed Canadian Arthroplasty Society (CAS) members regarding their psychological well-being using the validated General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) scale, and the Personal Wellbeing Index-Adult (PWI-A). As well, the survey included questions regarding concerns about COVID-19, precautionary measures, personal well-being, and sociodemographic characteristics.ResultsA total of 80 surgeons (52% of those surveyed) completed the questionnaire, representing all 10 provinces in Canada. The prevalence of emotional distress and depression were 38% and 29%, respectively. Psychological morbidity most commonly resulted from concerns of loss of income/operating time, experiences of emotional conflict, and generalized safety worries. The surgeons commonly (93%) demonstrated insight in recognizing the impact of COVID-19 on their emotional health.ConclusionCanadian arthroplasty surgeons demonstrated emotional resilience and insight during COVID-19. Continual communication, as well as remuneration action plans, could improve the mental well-being of at-risk individuals.

Mental health and substance use by sexual minority status in high school students who experienced sexual violence

To examine the association between sexual minority status and the prevalence of emotional distress and substance use among a nationally-representative sample of youth who reported sexual violence victimization. Data were from the 2017 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey, a biennial school-based survey. We restricted the sample to youth who reported any past-year sexual violence victimization. We estimated prevalence ratios using modified Poisson regression with robust error variance to examine associations of sexual minority status with depressive symptomology, suicidality, and substance use. Among the 1364 (9.7%) students who experienced sexual violence, 78% were girls. Relative to heterosexual youth, sexual minority youth had higher prevalence estimates for the emotional distress outcomes and marijuana use. Sexual minority status was associated with depressive symptomology (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 1.33, 95% confidence interval 1.22-1.44), suicidal ideation (aPR: 1.91, 1.66-2.20), medically treated suicide attempt (aPR: 2.74, 1.53-4.93), and past 30-day marijuana use (aPR: 1.29, 1.06-1.57). Among youth who experience sexual violence, sexual minorities may experience more emotional distress and substance use outcomes than heterosexuals. Rape crisis programs and other tertiary interventions should attend to the unique needs of sexual minorities who have been sexually victimized.

Psychological Impact During the First Outbreak of COVID-19 on Frontline Health Care Workers in Shanghai.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is a significant health threat. Health care worker (HCWs) are at a significant risk of infection which may cause high levels of psychological distress. The aim of this study was to investigate the psychological impact of the COVID-19 on HCWs and factors which were associated with these stresses during the first outbreak in Shanghai.Methods: Between February 9 and 21, 2020, a total of 3,114 frontline HCWs from 26 hospitals in Shanghai completed an online survey. The questionnaire included questions on their sociodemographic characteristics, 15 stress-related questions, and General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12). Exploratory factor analysis was applied to the 15 stress-related questions which produced four distinct factors for evaluation. Multiple linear regression models were performed to explore the association of personal characteristics with each score of the four factors. Binary logistic analysis was used to explain the association of personal characteristics and these four factors with the GHQ-12.Results: There were 2,691 valid surveys received. The prevalence of emotional distress (defined as GHQ-12 ≥ 12) was noted in 47.7% (95%CI:45.7–49.6%) HCWs. Females (OR = 1.43, 95%CI:1.09–1.86) were more likely to have a psychological distress than males. However, HCWs who work in secondary hospitals (OR = 0.71, 95% CI:0.58–0.87) or had a no contact history (OR = 0.45, 95%CI: 0.35–0.58) were less likely to suffer psychological distress. HCWs who were nurses, married, and had a known contact history were highly likely to have anxiety. HCWs working at tertiary hospitals felt an elevated anxiety regarding the infection, a lack of knowledge, and less protected compared to those who worked at secondary hospitals.Conclusions: Our study shows that the frontline HCWs had a significant psychosocial distress during the COVID-19 outbreak in Shanghai. HCWs felt a lack of knowledge and had feelings of being not protected. It is necessary for hospitals and governments to provide additional trainings and psychological counseling to support the first-line HCWs.

Current research status on the psychological situation of adults with congenital heart disease.

Due to technological and medical advances the population of adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) is growing. Worldwide, congenital heart disease (CHD) affects 1.35-1.5 million children each year and more than 90% reach adulthood. Given the heterogeneity of CHD, survivors are faced with not only complex medical but also psychological challenges which may manifest in mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder. This review focuses on the emotional dimension of CHD. More precisely, it summarizes the present state of research on the prevalence of emotional distress in ACHD. Theoretical models provide a framework for possible explanations of mental health issues in ACHD. Additionally, the review examines the relation between psychological processes and overall health considering the latest scientific findings on coping with chronic illness (illness identity). There is still insufficient knowledge on the psychosocial treatment of mental health issues in the growing population of ACHD. This review suggests a vital need to further investigate the psychological situation of ACHD on a large-scale basis in order to establish a holistic treatment approach to accommodate the patients' special needs.

ES 03.03 Allied Health: The Missing Link in Comprehensive Cancer Care

ES 03.03 Allied Health: The Missing Link in Comprehensive Cancer Care

Assessment of emotional distress and parenting stress among parents of children with clubfoot in south-western Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Clubfoot, the commonest orthopaedic congenital deformity in the tropics, is usually recognised from birth and affects one or both feet. The discovery of the child's deformity may diminish the joy of childbirth with attendant emotional reactions. Hence, this study assessed the levels of emotional distress and parenting stress among parents of children with clubfoot in Nigeria. METHODOLOGY: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 58 parents of children with clubfoot attending the clubfoot clinic of a tertiary health institution in Nigeria. They completed a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Parenting Stress Index Short Form. RESULTS: The prevalence of emotional distress and parenting stress were 15.5% and 12.0% respectively. The mean score of parenting stress and its subscales were 67.44 (SD=18.07); parental distress 26.71 (SD=8.82); parents-child dysfunctional interaction 19.13 (SD=5.91) and difficult child 21.60 (SD=7.19). The patient age group was significantly associated with emotional distress level (x2=13.566, p=0.004). Pearson's correlation showed significant positive correlation between parental stress and the patient's age (r=0.277, p<0.05) and HADS depression score (r= 0.290, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: This study has provided relevant information on the experiences of Nigerian parents caring for children with clubfoot. Health care professionals involved with the care of children with clubfoot should also pay attention to the emotional wellbeing of the parents.

A longitudinal study on anxiety, depressive and adjustment disorder, suicide ideation and symptoms of emotional distress in patients with cancer undergoing radiotherapy

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to evaluate the presence of anxiety, depressive and adjustment disorders, suicide ideation, and symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients with cancer before (T1), and after radiotherapy (T2) and at the 1-month follow-up (T3). MethodsA longitudinal study on 103 patients with cancer treated as outpatients undergoing radiotherapy was carried out, evaluating them three times (T1-T2-T3) according to DSM-IV criteria with the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. ResultsPrevalence of the depressive disorders was: T1=6.8%, T2=3.9% and T3=3.9%; for anxiety disorders: T1=16.5%, T2=18.4% and T3=16.5%; for adjustment disorder: 10.7%, 5.8% and 7.8%; and for suicide ideation: T1=11.7%, T2=7.8% and T3=7.8%. In all, the presence of disorders was: T1=35%, T2=26.2%0.4% and T3=29.1%. At least one mental disorder was diagnosed in 46.6% of patients in one of the three times of the study.In relation to the symptoms, the prevalence of the possible cases of clinical anxiety was: T1=35.9%, T2=18.4% and T3=22.3%; the prevalence of possible cases of clinical depression was 19.4%, 16.5% and 10.7%, respectively; and the prevalence of emotional distress was 27.2%, 17.5% and 18.4%, respectively. All symptoms decreased significantly from T1 to T2 and from T1 to T3, with moderate effect sizes. No changes were observed between the end of the radiotherapy and the follow-up period. ConclusionsHigh prevalence of mental disorders and symptoms of anxiety, depression and distress were observed in the patients with cancer before finishing radiotherapy treatment and during the follow-up. FundingBasurto University Hospital and Basque Foundation for Innovation and Research in Health-BIOEF.

Cancer patients' emotional distress, coping styles and perception of doctor-patient interaction in European cancer settings.

As a part of a European study, we cross-culturally examined the rate of emotional distress and maladaptive coping and their association with cancer patients' satisfaction with their interactions with the physician responsible for their care. Cancer patients (n = 302) from one Middle European (Austria) and two Southern European (Italy, Spain) countries completed the NCCN Distress Thermometer (DT), the Mini-Mental Adjustment to Cancer (Mini-MAC) Anxious Preoccupation (AP) and Hopelessness (H) sub-scales, and the Physician Patient Satisfaction with Doctors Questionnaire (PSQ). The prevalence of emotional distress (DT caseness) was 60% (26.1% mild, 18.8% moderate, and 14.9% severe distress). Maladaptive coping (Mini-MAC cases) was found in 22.8% (hopeless cases), and 22.5% (anxious preoccupation cases). PSQ-MD was significantly correlated with Mini-MAC/H and Mini-Mac/AP, while PSQ-PS was negatively correlated with Mini-MAC/H. DT cases and those with higher levels of hopelessness reported higher scores on PSQ-MD and lower on PSQ-PS than non-cases. Some differences were found between countries both as far as patients' coping and perception of the interaction with doctors. In hierarchical multiple regression analysis, after adjusting for socio-demographic and medical variables, Mini-MAC/H significantly predicted the scores on PSQ-MD (positive direction) and PSQ-PS (negative direction). The study confirms that about one out of three cancer patients have moderate to high level of emotional distress and about one out of four, clinically significant maladaptive coping. Also, patients showing hopelessness and distress tended to perceive their doctors as both disengaged and less supportive. These results highlights the need for physicians to monitor their patient's level of distress and coping mechanisms and to adjust their own relational and communication style according to patients' psychological condition. Also, cross-cultural issues should be taken into account when exploring psychosocial variables and cancer patients' perception of and satisfaction with the interaction with their doctors.

Changes in wellbeing and professional values among medical undergraduate students: a narrative review of the literature

Educators are concerned by the high prevalence of emotional distress among medical students, and by the alleged decline in their humanitarian values. To re-examine these concerns by reviewing studies of medical students' wellbeing and development. Narrative review of the literature. (a) Medical students' emotional distress increases during their undergraduate training. However, although higher than in the general population, the prevalence of distress among medical students is similar to that among other university students. (b) Medical students' distress is independently related to endogenous factors (personality traits and life events) and to their perception of the medical learning environment. (c) Medical students do not display a measurable increase in moral reasoning, empathy and tolerance of uncertainty. (d) Students' wellbeing, moral development, reflectivity and tolerance of uncertainty have been shown to be interrelated, and associated with clinical performance. The findings of this review endorse the concerns about the wellbeing and development of undergraduate medical students. The design of the reviewed studies does not permit inferences about causality. Yet, these findings are consistent with the hypothesis that medical training causes emotional distress that delays students' development and affects their clinical performance.

Prevalence of emotional distress in caregiver's of cancer patients

Background: A diagnosis of cancer is an intensely stressful experience for patients. How much it affects the caregiver’s is not apparent as it leads to hidden Co morbidity in the persons involved in the care giving process. Cancer can not only affect the patients, but can equally evoke emotional distress in the caregiver’s. Aims: We carried out a study to evaluate the prevalence of anxiety and depression as well as effects of socio demographic & cancer characteristics on emotions of caregiver’s. Methods and Material: This is a cross sectional study of 100 consecutive consenting caregiver’s of diagnosed cancer patients attending an oncology department of a tertiary care hospital. Caregiver’s are those who have willfully taken the responsibility of care giving to the ailing cancer patients. Hospital Anxiety, Depression Scale (HADS) a well validated questionnaire based scale to evaluate the prevalence of anxiety, depression and emotional distress. It has 14 items 07 related to anxiety & 07 related depressions. Results: 100 caregiver’s were studied to assess the anxiety and depression levels during their care giving task. The mean anxiety & depression score of subjects were 8.28 (SD-3.45) & 8.79 (SD-3.94) respectively. 34% caregiver’s were having score between moderate to severe category with a cutoff of (>10) on both the subscales of HADS. 53% of the subjects showed emotional distress as seen in high score above cutoff of (>15) on total HADS score. The data was compiled, tabulated and analyzed by using SPSS 16 .0 v. P < 0.05 is taken as statistically significant in our study. Conclusion: There are multiple factors involved in the emotional distress of the caregiver’s. A holistic treatment approach that encompasses both medical and psychological measures for reducing the hidden morbidity in co sufferers of cancer patients to be adapted in treatment of cancer patients.

Prevalence of Emotional Distress in Cancer Patients

Background: Emotional distress in cancer patients may interfere with the ability to cope effectively with cancer, its physical symptoms and its treatment. This in turn causes significant increase in psychiatric morbidity leading to poor outcome in the patients. Objective: To assess prevalence of anxiety and depression and to study effects of socio demographic and cancer variables causing emotional distress. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional hospital based study was conducted at Oncology department of tertiary care hospital after an approval from institutional ethical committee. The participants were included by random sampling method. Total 100 patients diagnosed by oncology physician or surgeon were interviewed after obtaining informed consent. The detailed information of study was given to every participant. Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS), a well validated, easy to administer and acceptable scale was used for measuring anxiety & depression level. On HADS cut off score of >07 was taken as possible cases. Data collected was compiled, tabulated in Microsoft excel sheet and analyzed by SPSS software 16.0 versions with the help of a statistician. Results: Thus 100 consecutive consenting diagnosed patients of cancer attending oncology department were studied. On Hospital Anxiety & Depression Scale the mean anxiety and depression scores were 7.73 (SD 4.57) & 6.63 (SD 4.23) respectively. The range of scores on anxiety subscale was 0-18 & 0-16 on depression subscale. 47% had anxiety & 39% were having depression with cut off score of >07 on each subscales. 23% of cancer patients were having scores in moderate to severe category on both HAD subscales. Total HADS score had range of 0-34 with mean of 14.21. 42% cases were having emotional distress on HADS score (Total Score of HADS >15). Conclusion: On the basis of the study we would recommend that cancer patients require not only medical treatment approach but psychological measures as well to cope up with associated emotional distress. Early recognition and management of emotional distress will significantly decrease the burden on health care cost and improve the quality outcome in cancer treatment.

Physical and Mental Health Status of Iraqi Refugees Resettled in the United States

We conducted a survey among Iraqi refugees resettled in the United States to assess their physical and mental health status and healthcare access and utilization following the initial 8-month, post-arrival period. We randomly selected Iraqi refugees: ≥18 years of age; living in the United States for 8–36 months; and residents of Michigan, California, Texas and Idaho. Participants completed a household questionnaire and mental health assessment. We distributed 366 surveys. Seventy-five percent of participants had health insurance at the time of the survey; 43 % reported delaying or not seeking care for a medical problem in the past year. Sixty percent of participants reported one chronic condition; 37 % reported ≥2 conditions. The prevalence of emotional distress, anxiety, and depression was approximately 50 % of participants; 31 % were at risk for post-traumatic stress disorder. Iraqi refugees in this evaluation reported a high prevalence of chronic conditions and mental health symptoms despite relatively high access to healthcare. It is important for resettlement partners to be aware of the distinctive health concerns of this population to best address needs within this community.